News Article

Students Need to Check Online Account Information

02/06/2018

JONESBORO – Arkansas State University is recommending that all students check their online accounts to verify the bank accounts attached to their logins, and to update their account passwords based on reports of internet fraud.

To date, 11 students have had funds redirected from their designated direct deposit accounts by fraudulent means. A check of student accounts by the A-State Information Technology Department and Treasurer’s Office reveals the potential for several more students. These students are being contacted today by university representatives.

“I want to ask every student to log into their student account as soon as they can and do two things,” Chancellor Kelly Damphousse said. “Make sure you change your password and then check that your direct deposit is correct.”

Phishing emails are believed to be the source of the redirection of money. In these types of schemes, perpetrators lure students into providing their login and password, and then access the student’s online account to change the routing address for direct deposit.

The university recommends students check the account number they entered for their direct deposit of financial aid funds immediately to see if it has been changed and replaced with a fraudulent direct deposit account number. If you notice a change in your direct deposit – or a direct deposit account that you did not create, contact the Treasurer’s Office at sasbillpayment@AState.edu or call 870-972-2285.

After verifying the direct deposit, the A-State IT Department also recommends students reset their account passwords and security questions immediately.

“We are actively assisting the affected students in recovery of the funds that were wrongfully taken,” Vice Chancellor for Finance Dr. Len Frey said. “This is unfortunately similar to scams used last fall with five students.”

In an attempt to educate students after the fall phishing, the Treasurer’s Office sent emails to all active spring semester students instructing them to verify their accounts and to not give their login and password to anyone.

“Arkansas State never asks for your login or password via email,” Chief Information Officer Henry Torres said. “If you ever receive an email asking you to log in or respond to an email with a button to click, please report that to our office immediately.”

Specifically, students should check the A-State Payment System, or MyBill, link via MyCampus to determine there isn’t a fraudulent account attached. Additional instructions are available here and are posted also inside the MyCampus landing page.

As a final reminder, Arkansas State University will never ask for student login and passwords through email. This should be the first indicator of a false attempt to gain access to student accounts.

If students have concerns or questions, they are asked to reach out directly to the Treasurer’s Office at Arkansas State. They can email sasbillpayment@AState.edu or call 870-972-2285.